Aleppo Victories to 'Prelude' Defeat of Rebels in Syria: Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Monday that the recent victory of the Syrian army in the Aleppo province is a prelude to the major defeat of the rebels elsewhere.

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In a televised speech following the major victory of the Syrian army in the western and northwestern countryside of Aleppo, Assad said it doesn't mean the end of the war, nor does it mean the elimination of terrorism.

"But this victory is a prelude to the complete defeat (of the rebels and their backers) sooner or later," Assad said in his speech aired on the national TV.

Assad, meanwhile, said the battle for retaking all areas in Aleppo and Idlib countryside in northern Syria is ongoing so is the battle to "liberate all Syrian soil, eliminate terrorism, and achieve stability."

Assad made the remarks as the Syrian army declared on Monday the capture of tens of villages and towns in the northwestern countryside of Aleppo, securing the provincial capital of Aleppo.

In a statement, the Syrian army said the military operation in western Aleppo was "precise and qualitative," adding that the operation is ongoing.

The Syrian army is still attacking the Aleppo countryside as we speak, with many units attempting to push towards the Turkish border.